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Anubias — photograph (Wikimedia Commons; see site attributions)

Image: Wikimedia Commons — attribution available on this site.

Plant appearance can vary with lighting, nutrients, CO₂, and whether it is grown submerged or emersed.

easylow lightNo CO2 neededslow growthrhizome

Anubias

Anubias barteri var. barteri

Also: Anubias barteri, Broad-leaf Anubias

Anubias is a slow-growing rhizome plant from West Africa. Its thick, dark-green leaves are extremely resilient and are largely ignored by most fish, except dedicated herbivores. It thrives tied to hardscape rather than planted in substrate.

Livestock warningAnubias is at moderate-to-high risk from herbivores and fin-nippers — check your fish list before buying.

Care at a glance

Difficultyeasy
Lightlow
CO2Not needed
FertiliserNot essential
Growth rateslow
Max height25cm
Placementmidground
Min tank20L

Water parameters

Temperature22–28°C
pH6–8
Shrimp safeYes
Herbivore riskmoderate
Propagationrhizome division

Beginner guidance

Do not bury the rhizome, it will rot. Tie to wood or rock and allow roots to anchor naturally. Very low light suits it fine; algae on leaves is common in high-light tanks.

Cautions

  • Bury roots only, never the rhizome.

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